For this piece I was fascinated by pictures found in science, nature, meditation and Reiki. Reiki is a gentle practice which uses hand positions to balance the flow of energy. Reiki is also considered a healing art; thus, this holistic ritual already contains the seeds for an artistic interpretation. Furthermore, the traditional positions begin atop of the head. I wanted to find an interesting way to combine and translate these symbols into a portrait.

Another influence has been the concept of feminine beauty. Universally women struggle with their looks. As they age, many battle with the reality of wrinkles. In my early thirties I evaluated my facial structures and thought of the ways people treat their faces. I wanted to enter this territory in a playful and witty manner. This photograph illustrates a woman who is calmly creating her own unique language for an audience who doesn’t speak it. This project awarded an Exhibition Assistance Grant from Ontario Arts Council.